Cheese Storage: How Long Does Store-Bought Cheese Last?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know how long it lasts so you don't end up eating spoiled cheese. The shelf life of store-bought cheese depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, storage method, and packaging date. Generally, hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses like cream cheese, mozzarella, and feta. Proper storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of cheese, and it's recommended to wrap cheese in breathable materials like parchment paper or cheese paper instead of plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and suffocate the cheese.

Hard cheeses can last up to 6 months unopened, and 1-2 months opened

Hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano, Pecorino, aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have a long shelf life. When unopened, they can last anywhere from 4 to 6 months, and sometimes even beyond that. If stored properly, they can be consumed for 1-2 months even after opening the package.

Hard cheeses have a longer shelf life because they contain less moisture, which makes them less prone to spoilage from bacteria. This also means that unopened hard cheeses do not necessarily need to be refrigerated, but they will last much longer if they are.

To ensure that hard cheeses last for as long as possible, it is important to store them properly. This involves removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper. Then, place the cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Additionally, hard cheeses can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Freezing hard cheeses is a good option if you don't plan on using them right away, as they freeze well due to their low moisture content.

When it comes to determining if a hard cheese has gone bad, there are a few signs to look out for. If the cheese is dried up or covered in mold, it should be discarded. If there is only a small amount of mold, it is safe to cut off the moldy part and an inch of the surrounding cheese and consume the rest. A change in smell can also indicate spoilage; if the cheese smells sour or funny, it is best to throw it away.

Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, tend to spoil faster than harder varieties. This is because they have a high moisture content, which provides an environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, soft cheeses will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening. However, it is important to note that the quality and taste of soft cheese will begin to deteriorate before this time is up, so proper storage is key.

For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. It is best to wrap it in cheese paper, but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

Additionally, it is important to note that a wedge of cheese starts to decline the moment it is cut, and it will not improve in the fridge. Therefore, it is recommended to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

To ensure your soft cheese lasts for the full 1-2 weeks, follow these steps for proper storage:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

Semi-hard and semi-soft cheeses last 2-4 weeks once opened

Once opened, semi-hard and semi-soft cheeses will last in the fridge for 2-4 weeks. To ensure your cheese lasts the full duration, follow these steps:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

Cheese is alive and breathing, so it needs oxygen and humidity to stay fresh and tasty. Never store your cheese in plastic wrap as it suffocates the cheese and traps in moisture.

To prevent mould, store your cheese at a safe fridge temperature—below 40°F (4°C). You can also freeze cheese, although processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheese don't freeze well.

Freezing cheese: not recommended, especially for soft cheeses

Freezing is a great way to preserve food, but it is not always the best option for cheese, especially soft cheeses.

Soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta, mozzarella, and blue cheese have a high moisture content. When that moisture freezes, it expands and ruptures the cheese's cell walls. When the cheese thaws, it has little structure left and weeps out the moisture, becoming crumbly or grainy in the process.

However, some cheeses with less moisture do freeze well. Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, brick cheese, and blue cheese can be frozen, but their texture will often become crumbly and mealy, and they will be harder to slice.

Mozzarella and pizza cheese are generally suitable for freezing as well, particularly when shredded, but their texture and melting properties may be negatively affected.

Freezing cheese is best suited for cooked dishes in which changes to texture are less noticeable, such as in sauces or on pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches.

To freeze cheese, portion, wrap, and pack it in an airtight container before rapidly freezing it. Use it within 6 to 9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and used within a few days.

Overall, cheese is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture, though freezing can be a convenient way to keep some cheeses on hand for cooking.

How to tell if cheese has gone bad: colour, texture, smell, and taste can be indicators

Colour, texture, smell, and taste can be indicators of whether cheese has gone bad.

Colour

Cheese that has changed colour, such as fading or darkening, may be a sign that it has gone bad. However, it is natural for cheese to grow mould, and small amounts of surface mould can be trimmed off. If the cheese is covered in thick mould, it may not be worth saving.

Texture

Changes in the consistency of the cheese's texture can be an indicator of spoilage. Other texture indicators include sliminess, oil, or bloated packaging.

Smell

As a dairy product, an indicator of spoiled cheese is an "off" smell. This could be the scent of spoiled milk, ammonia, or even of a refrigerator or freezer. However, some cheeses can be pungent and "off" smelling, so it is important to smell the cheese when you first purchase it to understand how it should smell.

Taste

Tasting the cheese may be the only way to tell if it has gone bad. Only taste a small piece of the cheese to determine its flavour. If the cheese tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely gone bad.

Frequently asked questions